Call to mind when Abraham said to his father and his people: “I totally disown all whom you serve 26 Other than Him who created me. He will show me the right way." 27 And he uttered this as a word destined to endure among those who would come after him, so that they might [always] return [to it]. 28 In fact, We allowed them and their fathers to enjoy themselves until the truth and a strong Messenger came to them. 29 Yet when the truth had come to them, they said: "This is sorcery. We shall never believe in it." 30 They said, "Why was this Quran not sent down to one of the great men of the two cities?" 31 What, is it they who divide the mercy of the Lord? We have divided between them their livelihood in the present life, and raised some of them above others in rank, that some of them may take others in servitude; and the mercy of thy Lord is better than that they amass. 32 If it were not that all mankind might have become one community [of disbelievers], We could have given all those who deny the Lord of Mercy, houses with roofs of silver, silver staircases to ascend, 33 And the doors of their houses and the couches on which they recline, 34 And (other) embellishments of gold; and all this is naught but provision of this world's life, and the hereafter is with your Lord only for those who guard (against evil). 35